[Krajin]

Current Status - Active Duty - Stardate 58370.2 - July 18, 2381 - 0858


Thane stayed quiet during the meeting and silently agreed with their new Captain. Course he did not want to be going back into Dominion Space, not by a long shot. But if this is where they are assigned, so be it. He reached out with his mind however to read and feel the surface emotions and thoughts of those present to get a feel for their own feelings. One of the habits of his.

Plans raced through his mind on readiment training for their security should they encounter them. "Don't need to ask me twice. How can I help?"

((Logic / SIMM)

[LogicalLeopard]

Current Status - Active Duty - Stardate 58370.2 - July 18, 2381 - 0858


Plans raced through his mind on readiment training for their security should they encounter them. "Don't need to ask me twice. How can I help?"

((Logic / SIMM)

"Just the words I wanted to hear," said Biiqs. "Look, this is confidential, but it's essential that you know this for two reasons. One, you're the head of security and tactical, and this is relevant information to your work: The Ares attack? Starfleet suspects it was a direct attack on Captain Jones by members of the Orion Syndicate. Furthermore, there have been twenty seven attacks on Starfleet Starbases by Orions, likely conducted in coordination with Starfleet officers, some highly decorated. This all appears to involve classified information provided by Captain Storm, whom you've already tangled with.

This conspiracy is wider than we al thought, and will require our extreme vigilance. And now we come to the second part of why I'm telling you this. I want you to serve as my Executive Officer as well. You've proven your skill and trustworthiness, and now more than ever, an outside perspective is what is needed. Starfleet and the Klingon Empire have similar views on the relationship between captains and XO's.....well, you know, besides the murder, but the core of the relationship is speaking for the crew and serving the captain. Only I'd say that a Starfleet XO doesn't serve the Captain, they serve the dignity and honor of the office, providing dissent in private and support in public to maintain order and discipline. Can you do this? Will you stand with me?"

[Kiflin]

Current Status - Active Duty - Stardate 58370.2 - July 18, 2381 - 0759


Engineer teams began their internal diagnostic scans of the starship almost immediately hearing the words of Commander Bliiqs. The Fearless had been in service for more then 100 years and she looked the part. Despite having been maintenanced recently the Excelsior Class Starship had not received any of the refits that all of the other known models of the same class had already been given. To call it the cliché known as "dinosaur" would be a compliment.

Both Commander Bliiqs and his newly named First Officer set in silence for a brief moment just as Engineer Chief Sokel Frov and Ensign Kelika Valgrek activate the chime allowing them entry into the meeting area...


Commander Bliiq's... I am sorry for the intrusion but I wanted to give you the repair and ordinance list. Unfortunately, DS9 just doesn't supply the most of the equipment we need due to "Fearless's" archaic design. I recommend we head to DSG1... Starbase 185.


Wait, DSG1 isn't even completed Chief! Why would we he--


Yes... I know it's scheduled to be commissioned at least 3 or 4 years from now but it's our only possibility for our supplies... we have our orders and it's the only Federation Starbase on the other side of that worm hole. I'm willing to bet that Starfleet is farther ahead in it's development then we have been lead to believe. ((Exhales deeply)) Either we do this or we spend 5 days heading to the nearest Starbase on this side of the wormhole, and then another 5 days just to get back here. Commander, what do you think?

[Josh Broughm]

Current Status - Active Duty - Stardate 58370.2 - July 18, 2381 - 0858


Attachment 16946

Christine arrived in engineering about five minutes after being summoned. Padd in one hand, travel mug of coffee in the other, as it was still morning. She sat the padd down on the MSD table and said, rather cheerily, "Yes sir, you wanted to see me?"

((Simm))

[LogicalLeopard]

Current Status - Active Duty - Stardate 58370.2 - July 18, 2381 - 0900


Attachment 16868

"Hmmph."

Biiqs studied the manifest, brow furrowed in frustration. He wasnt happy at being interrupted, but it was necessary that he knew the condition of the ship. He very well couldnt go into a potentially dangerous situation with just 29 photon torpedoes. The transporter difficulties he of course knew about, but the short range communications array? And what did they do to that turbolift?

Biiqs sighed and looked up to Chief Frov. "Well, you're right. We'll have to stop at DSG1. Look, youve got your handa full with the transporter situation, which is Priorty One. Designate that new lieutenant from the Excelsior, Urquart, to liase with the station dockmaster to get these repairs done. Assemble whoever you can spare for work gangs, but let Urquart kbow that shes doing to have to wheedle the station for as many hands as they can provide us to assist. Time is of the essense. Have Lt. Delvok from Tactical handle the torpedoes. If theres nothing else, you're dismissed. No, wait..."

"I know that this isn't a Sovereign class vessel, and its not what many of your engineers signed up for, but I've always found Excelsiors to be the gems of the fleet. From my tour on the Cairo, till more recently with the Lakota. Distinguished, handsome ladies, the teachers of bygone eras. Think of it this way, a ship doesnt last 100 years in service without earning it. These ships were designed for a time when you could be stranded on the outskirts of Federation space, with no one to help you in a pinch. They're designed for tinkering, jury rigging, improvisation. Don't just apply the book to her, see what Fearless teaches you. Learn her personality and particular ways, and youll find things will go much easier for you in Engineering. They'll go much easier for all of us."


((SIMM))

[Krajin]

Current Status - Active Duty - Stardate 58370.2 - July 18, 2381 - 0900


Thane listened and let his telepathic abilities wander over the engineers and officers present. He is the new XO of this ship and now he had far more responsibilities. He needed to know what they weren't saying. Two truths and a lie right? This is a perfect opportunity to see who these officers truly can be. Straightening his stance, Thane turned to face them all. "We must avoid conflicts as best we can while here. This ship and its safety are paramount as we are far to under-equipped to handle a violent encounter with the Dominion. Armour, weapons. When we get to the station we should look into seeing what we can acquire for spot improvements. Once our current mission is completed we must get this ship into dock for a full refit to get it up to current design requirements and standards. Stories tell of these ships being fitted with experimental warp capabilities. Does it even have that?"

This entire scenario was like a circus of doom. An under performing, underfitted Excelsior being sent into Dominion Space to investigate attacks by Orions. It stank of someone trying to set them up to fail and this is clear evidence. He had to think a moment to get an idea of KDF facilities on this side. "If we must we can stop off at any of the KDF facilities to get additional technology to improve our odds in this place. If these ships are as flexible as you say they are. It would be a fantastic time to rub a little egg on the noses of those who have let this ship languish in antiquity by having KDF engineers assist in bringing this vessel up to speed. \after all, back in the day they were quite the threat to Klingon ships such as the D7. We should also look at scavenging old debris and battlefields."

((Simm/Logic))

[KingTernel]

Current Status - Active Duty - Stardate 58370.2 - July 18, 2381 - 0853
Deck Three, Officers' Quarters




I feel... Hm. I lie on the bed. Resting. Or trying to. For all the deep breaths and changes of clothes in the world, I can't sleep. I feel... numb. Yes. Numb. What if I could have--

The PADD lying next to me on the bed starts beeping. I lift my head from the pillow and look at it. It lies next to my legs, now dressed in slacks no longer soaked with dark red. What if it had been--

I swallow, sit up and pick up the PADD. A notification flashes on its screen.



Reminder: Senior staff meeting - 0900

"What?" Oh. It must have been organised when... Wait, senior staff? I tap my picture in the corner of the screen. I never actually looked. The three words I'd never expected to see were right there in bold, right under my rank and name.

Name: Nilen, Azral
Rank: Lieutenant
Position: Chief Science Officer

I look at the words and I snort. They seem almost ridiculous. Senior staff. After all this. After I couldn't keep it together. What if I--

I shake my head and jump off the bed. I take my PADD with me and walk out of my quarters. If he wants me there, I'll be there. The worst part is the wait inside the turbolift. What if, what if, what if--

The moment the turbolift doors open, I speed up and walk briskly through the bridge into the conference room.

Deck One, Conference Room


The first thing I see when I enter is the Commander, ordering a drink from the replicator. I quietly walk over to the table standing in the middle of the admittedly nice conference room and sit down in one of the chairs furthest from his end. I'm not entirely certain why. When the others walk in and sit down, I see the sombre looks on their faces. I say a small mental thank-you that I did not dare look in the mirror.

I listen to the mission part of the briefing with ease. The science seems easy enough. Even so, I find myself unsure.

"So whatever happens during this commission, remember the lesson Ensign Verce taught us: When the odds are against you, don't give up. Find a solution. Be brilliant. Be brave. Be Fearless."

When the Commander finishes speaking, I discover a small smile on my face. It must be the first time since... Ha. The smile leaves much more noticeably than it had come.

I stand up and set off for my quarters. I step into the elevator and speak.



"Deck..." Wait. No. I can't go back there. Not... not like this. I close my eyes for a moment and take a deep breath. "Sensor Control." What if?

[Kiflin]

Current Status - Active Duty - Stardate 58370.2 - July 18, 2381 - 0802

She sat the padd down on the MSD table and said, rather cheerily, "Yes sir, you wanted to see me?"

Yes Lt. Urquhart... oversee the repairs upon Decks 6,13, and 22. We do not have alot of time to get the maintenance completed... for us to meet efficiency and get this Starship to pass inspection, you are going to have to lean as much as you can on commissioned and non commissioned officers alike. You are going to have be as firm as needed so we can execute our jump to warp speed asap. There are currently 4 engineers on deck 6, 11 on Deck 13, and 30 on Deck 22. I'll check back with you tomorrow at 0600. Now get going Lt.!

Biiqs sighed and looked up to Chief Frov. "Well, you're right. We'll have to stop at DSG1. Look, youve got your handa full with the transporter situation, which is Priorty One. Don't just apply the book to her, see what Fearless teaches you. Learn her personality and particular ways, and youll find things will go much easier for you in Engineering. They'll go much easier for all of us."

((nods)) Will do Commander... will do. Once I know how well this crew operates collectively, I will be in a much better position to give you an eta on our timeframes for each target for repairs. Bear with me for the time being and I will circle back with specific time frames of completion of all engineering duties. Now, if you will excuse me... Ensign Valgrek and I will be headed to Deck 22. ((rises from the table and exits through the sliding doors out of the conference room))


((rises as well and follows Lt. Commander Frov))

This entire scenario was like a circus of doom. An under performing, underfitted Excelsior being sent into Dominion Space to investigate attacks by Orions. It stank of someone trying to set them up to fail and this is clear evidence. He had to think a moment to get an idea of KDF facilities on this side

We have to assume that some how this is apart of Starfleet Command's plan or strategy... right??


Command must have a much broader view of the current situation... we have to trust them and follow the orders they have given us.


Not necessarily.


What? We cannot go against our orders... you can't mean--


Right what do you mean? Go against our orders Lt.?


I am not saying we should go against our orders... I'm just saying that we need to find out as much information as we can about what is happening with those other Starbases that haven't been attacked yet. And also it would be prudent of us to find out if there have been any new information about whats happening on the Stations that have already been disabled. Perhaps even more starbases have been attacked, or new information has been discovered! We do know that our long range communications are functioning... why don't we use them and begin to make our way to the wormhole while we repair our systems...

[Josh Broughm]

Current Status - Active Duty - Stardate 58370.2 - July 18, 2381 - 0802




Christine smiled, nodded and said, "Aye. I'll go get my whip." She took her padd & coffee, then headed out of the room.





She arrived on deck two and saw three engineers huddled around an open panel. "Care to give me a status report?" she asked.

((SIMM))

[Kiflin]

Briefing Room - Deck 2 - Stardate 58370.2 - July 18, 2381 - 0805

She arrived on deck two and saw three engineers huddled around an open panel. "Care to give me a status report?" she asked.

((spins around while crouching)) Lt. uh....we don't have any status report to give you. We are just doing routine maintenance, Sir.


Yeah, just trying to make sure this ancient starship won't get us all killed when we attempt to go to warp. ((Places panel back on latch)) However we just received new orders to head to Deck 16. What's your name Lt. ?


((pulls up PADD)) Lt. Urquhart. I think if you are going to pull rank and ask us to give you a status report, at least know what deck you are supposed to be on first, and properly introduce yourself before doing so. We are non-commissioned officers so I'm sorry if we don't hop to for your personal pleasure. I'm crewman Frost, to my left is Hansen, and the big guy is Page. You are standing outside the briefing room upon Deck 2. There is also an "Officer's Lounge" here if you need a tour. Orders shown for Lt. Commander Sokel take place upon Deck 22, which is showing top priority now for "commissioned officers". So there is your status report. You have a good day, Lt. Urquhart. ((Carries PADD while rolling his eyes out the room))


I think Frost is right. You should probably make your way there, Sir. ((rises and walks out))


((rises and smiles at Lt. Urquhart before turning and walking out))


((All three Crewman Laugh in unison while getting inside the Turbolift as the doors close))

[Josh Broughm]

Commissioned officer's lounge - Deck 22 - Stardate 58370.2 - July 18, 2381 - 0809



A tick briefly showed on her face. Christine was visibly angry now. She turned, headed back to the lift, and shortly said, "Deck 22." She then took several deep breaths and started to calm down. "Computer," She said, "Halt." The lift stopped and she leaned against the wall to read the orders she was given.

She finished reading, took a sip of her coffee and said, "Resume. Damnit, Chrissy, you did it again." She hadn't understood her orders completely. It was a small embarrassment, bit it still was one, nonetheless.

She arrived at the lounge and noticed about 20 or so officers sitting about, either playing cards or chatting. "Excuse me," she called out, "if I could get your attention please."

((Simm))

"I'm Lt. Christine Urquhart and I've been assigned to get this boat into operable shape," she said curtly, "and if someone could please kindly give me a report on what maintenance needs doing and what's done currently."

((Simm))

[LogicalLeopard]

Current Status - Active Duty - Stardate 58370.2 - July 18, 2381 - 0905

]

"If we must we can stop off at any of the KDF facilities to get additional technology to improve our odds in this place. If these ships are as flexible as you say they are. It would be a fantastic time to rub a little egg on the noses of those who have let this ship languish in antiquity by having KDF engineers assist in bringing this vessel up to speed. \after all, back in the day they were quite the threat to Klingon ships such as the D7. We should also look at scavenging old debris and battlefields."

Attachment 16868



Biiqs dismissed Frov and his engineer with a smile, and turned to address Thane's statement. "Thanks for the suggestion. Klingon Engineers are among the best around when it comes to maintaining old vessels in top fighting form, but I don't think we need to show up those responsible for the condition of the ship. You've given me a great idea, though. We dont have to literally scavenge old battlefields for debris: at the starbase, the 'debris' will probably be inside the station, drinking in some isolated corner of the station."

He paused for effect, but then realized that one couldn't really be dramatic with a telepath.

"Chiefs! Old, grizzled Starfleet Chief Petty Officers are the debris I'm referring to. The equivalent to an old grizzled KDF mechanic, an enlistedman that's been around forever and seen and done a bit of everything. In our professional, officer oriented fleet, you don't always see them, but where there's a mess, there's an experienced chief assigned if the captain is smart. Why, Starfleet even left DS9 in the care of a chief when we first took it over. Broken down, booby trapped, infested with voles - its a job only a chief could love. If we could snag a handful of experienced Senior or even Master Chiefs, that would be a great help. When we get to thr station, I'll try to steal a few. But, first we have to get there."

Biiqs stood up and headed toward the bridge. Before the doors opened, he said, "I will excuse you to your duties until we come near our mission destination. You've got your hands full with an investigation and now executive officer duties. I'll handle the bridge officer rotation for you and excuse you from taking a bridge shift for the time being, unless you want one. And, again, thank you. You've been an invaluable help. I shall always remember your help, personally and professionally."

((Krajin))

With that, he strode onto the bridge, the blood in his veins buzzing. He took the chair from the duty officer and settled into it slowly. It felt good. Maybe not as comfortable as he thought. But good.

Biiqs turned to the communications officer. "Put me on all decks, please."

"Attention crew of the Fearless. We are heading to Starbase DSG1 in the Gamma Quadrant for minor repairs and resupply. Our voyage has not begun under the best terms, but with everyone pulling together, I expect it shall ultimately end in legend. We have a solid ship, a fine crew, and nothing can stand in our way if we operate as one. Thank you for the privilege of being your captain. I shall endeavor to do my best as long as i sit in the chair. Every hand to their duty, prepare the ship for warp. Communications, notify the station that we are underway for the Gamma Quadrant. Helmsman, set your course for the Bajoran Wormhole, full impulse speed. Execute when ready."

((SIMM))

[LogicalLeopard]

Current Status - Active Duty - Stardate 58370.2 - July 18, 2381 - 0935




Attachment 16868

After a while on the bridge, Biiqs rose from the center chair and surrendered the conn temporarily to another officer. "I'll be back in just a moment, a bit of deskwork, you see."

He went into his Ready Room and typed out a quick note to Commodore Picard, informing him of their intention to stop at DSG1 for resupply prior to the mission. After that, he went about the dreadful business of settling Ensign Verce's affairs. "Computer, please bring up Ensign Verce's next of kin and preferred burial practice."

((SIMM))

[KingTernel]

Current Status - Active Duty - Stardate 58370.2 - July 18, 2381 - 0935


I walk out of Sensor Control. That wasn't so bad. I told them to prepare the long-range sensors for the Gamma Quadrant. They set off to work. Professional. Exactly like it should be. Exactly like I'd thought it'd be. And yet... none of it is as I expected. For all of the Federation's technology and the Academy's perfect training, things like this morning just shouldn't happen. What if I'd been standing a bit further that way?

This shouldn't be me. How could I ever cut it? The shock, the stray thoughts... No. The Captain must know.

I take the lift up to Deck One and walk onto the bridge. I ask a bridge officer where the Captain is and they point at the ready room. I step into the room after the chime.



Commander. Do you have a moment?

((Tarquin))

[Kiflin]

Helmsman, set your course for the Bajoran Wormhole, full impulse speed. Execute when ready."

Impulse Speed - Bajoran Wormhole - Stardate 58370.2 - July 18, 2381 - 1035

THE FEARLESS
CHAPTER 1: "ENTER THE EMISSARY"

Where am I? I know that I exist... but this is not the same existence. I have had nothing but questions and have received countless answers... yet, there is so much more I need to know... That I MUST know! The wheel of life intersecting with our choices dictate the relationship of the universe itself. Time has no meaning here. Our choices matter... our love matters... but does anything really die? Aren't we all just strands of energy? How does the death of a star compare with the death of Galaxy? Or even one person? I must KNOW this!

Perhaps I can find out if there is a next realm? Maybe even... communicate with those beyond the ethereal plan... not the in the past like I have already managed to do here... but with those who have been transfigured or have become only energy. Surely this is what I must be able to explore next? *Chuckles* The euphoria I am experiencing is unlike anything I have felt before!


"The Emissary is ready."


What do you mean I am ready? Ready for what?


"The Emissary is no longer, the Emissary..."


Wait, what does that mean? Have I... Changed?


"The Sisko is ready."


What am I READY for? Wait... I am The Sisko! I haven't heard my... my name for a long time.


"The Sisko made a promise..."


I haven't made any promises... what are do you mean?


"The Sisko made a promise..."